The Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital is now providing inpatient treatment for 55 measles-infected children, and 21 others suffering from hand, foot, and mouth (HFM) disease.

Since the start of the year, the hospital has provided medical examinations and emergency treatment to 2,934 patients with HFM disease.  This disease has been very common in the hospital, and the number of cases has been consistent every month during the period.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, Mr Huynh Duc Tho, visiting a child patient with HFM disease at the Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital

No case of measles was reported at the hospital in January.  However, the number of patients with this disease has increased steadily since February.  As of 15 May, 441 people have been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of measles, 348 of whom are local residents.  Currently, some of these patients are in a serious condition.  In particular, 7 children are being assisted with oxygen cylinders, 10 people have severe diarrhoea, and 51 others are suffering from pneumonia.

The hospital’s director, Dr Tran Dinh Vinh, said that medicines and medical equipment are available at the hospital to cope with any outbreaks of epidemics which might occur.  They include Humaglobulin, Tienam, Hemosol and high-dose vitamin A, along with ventilators, drip-feed machines, and blood-warming devices.  In addition, an extra 250 folding beds have already been prepared in case of a sudden increase in the number of patients at the hospital to prevent from sharing beds.